Clarissa: Well, I write contemporary romance. I live off of cupcakes and coffee. Have a Maltese, who thinks I’m his pet toy, and I’m usually hiding in my cave…

Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?

Clarissa: No. Truthfully. I never really thought about it. I wrote because I loved it since I was a kid. You’d never find me without a journal or something to read. It wasn’t until I’ve decided to make a life change that I started to take my writing more seriously. Now five years later, I have ten published works, two print books, and a few other projects in the making. Time flies.

Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

Clarissa: The list could go forever! Lol. I love J.R. Ward, Julie Garwood, Judith McNaught, and there are too many to name. I think the people who have most influenced my writing are my critique partners at Passionate Critters. They’ve taught me so much and have helped me made the writer I am.

Q4) Can you tell us what a typical writing day for you is like.

Clarissa: Now that is a tough question. Usually I’m editing until my eyes won’t stay open. I can only write when the house is quiet and everyone is asleep normally. My one CP says I must be a vampire. Lol. When I wake up in the mornings, I’m actually hunched over the computer, going through emails and figuring what I need to do for the day. I’m really not a morning person at all…

Let’s talk about your books

Q5) Can you tell us a little about One Chance?

Clarissa: One Chance is a best friends romance. Jenna has been in love with Cade forever and she doesn’t find the courage to face him until she realizes that she’s going to lose him to another woman. I love seeing two people who are meant to be together finally hook up.

Q6) Can you tell us a little about Silent Night’s Seduction?

Clarissa: Silent Night’s Seduction is about Lily McCormick who is kidnapped and put on a plane to Alaska for a one-night stand with a mystery date. But that date turns out to be her ex-husband. She’s definitely a fiery chick, and seeing her ex once again only brings up the wrong that they’ve endured. I love their passion and seeing them find a second chance at love.

Q7) Can you tell us a little about Tempting a Prince?

Clarissa: Tempting a Prince is one of my favorites. Sarah is determined to get over her childhood crush and best friend’s brother, Evan, who has never noticed her. She’s ready to find Prince Charming. Only her date ends up being Evan…dum dum dum dummmmm…lol. You’ll have to find out what happens there in Vegas…

Q8) What is up next for you?

Clarissa: I’m actually finalizing edits for my new release coming in February, called True Connections. It’s part of Entangled Publishing’s new line, Ever Afters, and my story will be part of their Valentine’s Anthology. I’m very excited!

Here’s a sneak peak:

Blurb:

Scarred from a horrible relationship, proud and stubborn Lia McEvers returns home to open a matchmaking business in her old hometown, except her nemesis is still constantly annoying her…just by breathing. When their grandmothers involve her in a plan to help Max find a date for the Valentine’s party, Lia comes up with a few schemes of her own…that may just land her in a hot mess.

Successful tycoon Max Sheraton loves to take gambles, except when it comes to his grandmothers and Lia McEvil. Forced to sign up as a candidate at True Connections, he makes a pact to work with his enemy to appease their family, but he never saw trouble coming…

Hidden desires unleash, and they find themselves in their grandmother’s matchmaking plans. When games turn serious, can Lia pay the stakes or run once again before Max can show her what he can offer?

Q9) What is the next book on your To Read Pile that you are dying to jump into?

Clarissa: Actually, I just picked up Catherine Mann’s Cover Me, and a few of Lora Leigh’s books. It’s been so long since I’ve had the time to pleasure read!

Q10) Is there anything else you would like to add?

Clarissa: Please stop by and visit me at http://clarissayip.com. I can be found on Twitter and Facebook. Don’t be shy! Drop me a note! Let me know what you are reading! I’m always looking for new reads.

Books-n-Kisses: Clarissa, again thank you so very much for making Books-n-Kisses a stop on your book tour. I have enjoyed learning more about you and your book. I look forward to reading and see what you come up with next.